Animal Farm

The major characters in George Orwell’s allegorical novel, Animal Farm, are important because their actions have large impacts on the development of the plot in the story. Although it is less obvious, the minor characters also play a big role in the novel, displaying several significant themes. Old Major gave the other animals the image of his ‘ideal’ England, demonstrating the theme of idealism. The sheep showed loyalty by agreeing with the pigs, and following Napoleon’s orders. The dogs exhibited both loyalty to Napoleon and the other pigs and oppression against animals. Old Major wanted the ‘ideal’ England, and started the notion of the rebellion against humans. He wanted the animals to be free, without suffering, without unfair labour and slavery, and wanted “perfect unity” and “perfect comradeship in the struggle” amongst animals. He believed that the animals “remove Man from the scene, and the root cause of hunger and overwork is abolished forever.” Old Major caused the animals to consider the unfair power the humans had over them their quality of life. Furthermore, they realised how unhappy their lives were, and figured it was time for a revolution. The animals wanted their idealised image of England, and rebelled against the humans. The sheep in the story demonstrate loyalty to the pigs. They are what is considered ‘blindly loyal,’ as they do not understand that Napoleon is hypocritical and tyrannical towards them. They pigs teach the sheep to “break into ‘Four legs good, two legs bad’ at crucial moments during Snowball’s speeches” so that Napoleon can take control what happens, and ensure he has more power than Snowball. Later in the novel, the sheep are taught to chant “Four legs good, two legs better.” They do not realise Napoleon’s deceitfulness. As many of the animals were sheep which adhered to everything Napoleon wanted, they were a tool to help him maintain his high status within the farm. The sheep have a major role exhibiting loyalty, just as